Most legal services can be provided either at an hourly rate or on a flat fee basis. Many clients prefer the predictability of flat fees; however, not all matters will lend themselves to a flat fee arrangement. During your initial evaluation, we can determine what type of fee arrangement is best suited to the situation and either set a flat fee or provide an estimate or range of your total legal costs.

At our initial evaluation, we shall discuss very generally the legal problems or issues which you wish to address as well as the fees and terms of engagement for the legal assignment. If we both decide to proceed, we will prepare a written retainer agreement for your signature.

You should note that no legal advice is provided to non-clients; thus, legal advice is generally not provided during an initial evaluation nor until a written retainer agreement is signed by us and by you. However, if we do proceed to provide legal advice during our initial meeting, you will be charged for the time spent.

Unless otherwise agreed and except in the case of seller representation at real estate closings (where fees are payable at closing), payment for flat fee legal services and any estimated out of pocket costs are due in advance. Likewise, hourly rate services for new clients usually require an advance payment retainer prior to the commencement of legal representation.

Uncertified checks may not be credited until they have cleared. For our client’s convenience, credit cards and debit cards (all issuers except American Express) are also accepted.